January 8th, 2009
“Though our hearts are filled with sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near…” Psalm 65:3,4
Scripture declares God’s desire to bring every person near to Himself. From Genesis to Revelation, God was moving to restore mankind’s original relationship with Him. He doesn’t just randomly pick and choose those who will be saved or lost. Scripture makes it very clear: “…anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!” (Acts 2:21 – emphasis mine)
God “chooses” any who will call. That’s good news! It doesn’t matter whether we’re famous or infidel, rich or poor, religious or criminal. The only criteria is our humble cry to God for the salvation He’s provided through His Son Jesus. It is Christ’s merit, not ours, that satisfies the wrath of God against our sins! He was crucified so we might become children of God.
No matter how many or what kind of sins we’ve committed, in God’s grace every transgression can be forgiven! Not one will be held against us! Though the rest of the world may write us off as worthless — even hopeless — God’s grace offers a new start and power to be different from this day forward. That is truly cause for joy!
PONDER: Does God’s extreme mercy in the face of my unworthiness evoke in my heart the kind of joy referred to by the Psalmist?
PRAYER: Lord, may Your name be praised forever! You have certainly done great things for me!
May 23rd, 2010 at 12:18 am
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